Oman has stopped issuing and renewing work permits for foreign workers aged over 60, reversing a policy introduced more than four years ago that allowed older expatriates to continue working in the private sector.
According to reports, several expatriates said their employers’ applications to renew their work permits had been rejected in recent weeks.
The decision could affect long-serving foreign workers who continued their employment in Oman after reaching the age of 60. However, some expatriates may still qualify for further renewals under regulations introduced in January 2022.
Oman’s Ministry of Labour said companies had repeatedly requested exemptions to retain experienced employees beyond the prescribed age limit.
The policy change is expected to affect a significant number of expatriate workers and private-sector employers that depend on experienced staff.
US visa screening
The United States introduced stricter global visa screening measures as part of an expanded effort to strengthen security checks for travellers entering the country.
US State Department deputy spokesperson Tommy Pigott confirmed that the Trump administration has rolled out “new guidelines and an enhanced vetting procedure” for visa issuance worldwide.
Under the updated policy, consular officers are required to apply additional criteria and assess new risk factors before granting any visa.
“We have introduced a new vetting process with updated considerations for consular officers,” Pigott said in a statement.
“Every one of these decisions is a national security decision, and we are committed to ensuring that each application is reviewed more rigorously than before,” added Pigott.
He added that the State Department regularly reviews and adjusts its processes to ensure that individuals entering the US pose no threat.
“Our guiding principle is common sense we should not allow into the country anyone who could potentially cause harm,” he stated. “We will continue reviewing and strengthening our policies to make this process even more effective,” he added.
Pakistan’s Passport Enters World’s Top 100
It is pertinent to mention here that Pakistan’s passport has entered the list of the world’s top 100 passports after a marked improvement in its global ranking,
The Pakistani passport has become one of the top 100 passports in the world after a significant improvement in global ranking.
According to details, Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said that the global ranking of Pakistan’s passport has improved significantly while answering questions in the National Assembly. Adding that it has now become one of the top 100 passports in the world.
The Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs said that this achievement is the result of reforms and technical improvements made by the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports.